AFRICA | A brilliant young lady named Taiwo Oni has emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Ibadan (UI), earning her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree with an outstanding 3.93 out of 4.00 CGPA.
Her achievement is particularly remarkable as she belongs to one of the pioneer sets of the Pharm.D. program at the university, completing the rigorous clinical and academic training with exceptional distinction.
Taiwo's Story and How She Did It
Taiwo began her journey at UI in 2019. Over six demanding years of coursework, laboratory research, and clinical rotations, she maintained consistent academic excellence.
By the completion of her program, she graduated with the highest grade point in her class, earning multiple recognitions, including Best Graduating Student, Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry.
She also recorded distinction in Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy & Herbal Medicine, and Social & Administrative Pharmacy.
Her performance reflected both academic depth and clinical competence. Taiwo began her journey at UI in 2019. Over six demanding years of coursework, laboratory research, and clinical rotations, she maintained consistent academic excellence.
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Taiwo’s final-year research project became a defining moment in her academic journey. After successfully defending her project, she described it as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Her research focused on a gene variant linked to a drug-metabolizing enzyme — a key component of the “M” in ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion), a core concept in pharmacokinetics.
Through the project, she gained hands-on experience in DNA extraction from whole blood, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Nanodrop spectrophotometry, Agarose gel electrophoresis, and molecular laboratory techniques.
She noted that while such work may appear more aligned with molecular biology or pharmacology, it reinforced a powerful truth: “Chemistry underpins every step of these processes.”
Her research strengthened her conviction that pharmacogenomics is central to the future of personalized medicine.
“One dose does not fit all. Patient care should never place individuals at a disadvantage due to overlooked genetic variability,” she explained.
Taiwo expressed deep gratitude to her project supervisor, Dr. Olayinka Kotila, as well as the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT), Professor Iruka Okeke’s molecular biology laboratory, and the Centre for Drug Discovery Development and Production (CDDDP) for providing laboratory space, equipment, and research support.
Reflecting on her journey, Taiwo shared the Bible verse, “Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.” — 2 Corinthians 2:14
She credits her success to God’s mercy, alongside years of discipline, sacrifice, and academic focus. After six years of intense training, she not only graduated as the best in her faculty but was also formally inducted as a licensed pharmacist, ready to practice.
With strong interests in pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and personalized medicine, Taiwo looks forward to contributing to research and innovation that advances patient-centered healthcare.
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